1. Walcott pays the price

Theo Walcott paid the price for his anonymous display at Manchester United on Sunday when he was dropped against Swansea. He might have a battle on to get back in the side. And he might have a bit of work to do to regain the affections of some fans. There were even a few jeers when his name was read out before kick-off.

2. Joel Campbell takes his chance

Joel Campbell grabbed his chance to show he should be the beneficiary of Theo Walcott's woes and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's injury. The Costa Rican winger, who opened the scoring, started down the right and showed a lot of what Walcott's Old Trafford display lacked – hard work, industry, impact and end product.

3. Olivier Giroud's confidence crisis

Dry spell: Giroud floundered up front (Photo: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

The Frenchman is having one of those spells again. He has now gone 10 games without a goal and his confidence looks shot. He is snatching at chances – he missed three presentable ones here. At times, he is even struggling with the basics like passing to his teammates. He needs a goal badly.

4. History repeating itself

It is always this time of the season that Arsenal's season collapses and it is happening once again. Going out of the Champions League to Barcelona is one thing, losing to Manchester United is understandable too, even if Arsenal should have had more than enough to see off the Old Trafford side's class of 2016. But this shocking home defeat to Swansea means it is crisis time for the Gunners. With Tottenham suffering a rare defeat this was a huge opportunity missed.

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5. Swansea' survival hopes

Swansea had a tough double header against the two title chasing sides from north London but showed more than enough in both games to suggest they have the spirit to stay up. Defeat at Spurs was a little harsh but they were full value for all three points at the Emirates.

Produce the same effort and organised displays in their next three games against Norwich, Bournemouth and Aston Villa and they might get enough points to all but secure their safety before March is over.

John Cross' player ratings

Arsenal

Cech 6 - Left exposed, flapped on Swansea winner. Pulled up at the end.

Bellerín 6 - Good pace down the flank, crossing was disappointing.

Mertesacker 5 - Good leader but his lack of pace is such an issue.

Gabriel 4 - Has stalled this season. Is struggling for form and confidence.